Devantre Lamonte Garner

DEVANTRE LAMONTE GARNER, affectionately known as Spanky, departed this life on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and light. He was 41 years old.
Spanky was born on February 6, 1984, at Baptist Hospital in New Albany to his mother, Jacqueline Garner. Raised in New Albany, he attended W.P. Daniel High School and was known for his mischievous spirit, independence, and genuine kindness. At an early age, he made a profession of faith at God's Gate Church of God, where he remained a devoted lifelong member.
Spanky was a hardworking man who spent more than 15 years at Ashley Furniture before proudly embracing his calling as a "professional" chef. In his later years, he worked at McAlister's, where he was a valued and beloved associate. With a caring heart, warm personality, and gift for conversation, Spanky formed lasting friendships wherever he went. He loved cooking, listening to all genres of music, and connecting with people from all walks of life.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 12 PM Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Elder Tony Sanford officiating, Burial will follow in Chapel Grove Cemetery near Chesterville. Visitation will be from 2 PM-5PM Friday at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo, which is honored to be serving the family. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 12 PM Sat. and will be archived thereafter.
Spanky leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Jacqueline "Jackie" Hunt; his father (uncle who helped raise him), Willie Strong, Jr.; his beloved daughter, Jadelen Garner; brothers, Lawrence Garner and Channing Garner (Nicole); sister, Latoya Shackelford; God brothers, Chaz Jones and Marquis Pruitt; special brother, Cyrus Carney; and God sisters, Denise McLaurin, Demetria Clifton, Ranisha Cook, Tiarra Crawford, Shawonica Price, and Eboni Strong.
Spanky is also survived by his loving aunts, Veronica McAlister, Monica Strong, Melinda Frison, Letonia Strong, Barbara Campbell, Reyna Shackelford, Catherine Cannon (Dennis), Lisa Thompson, and Jacqueline Cameron; uncles, Willie Strong, Jr. (Letonia), Ronald Strong, Seatharron McAlister, and Torrin Freeman (Mary); nieces, Rachel Lenois, Ta'Keyah Shackelford, Ma'Leyah Shackelford, and Zyran Neal; nephews, Channing Garner, Jr., Pierre Lenoir, Jabari Clifton, and Princeton Price; his special friend, April Strickland; his grandmother, Mary Catherine Shackelford; and his grandfather, Willie Spencer Strong, along with a host of other great uncles and aunts and relatives and friends.
Spanky was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Joyce Strong; grandfathers, John Wesley Foote and Theatric Shackelford; his Godmother, Agnes McLaurin; great-grandmothers, Mary Foote, Willie Mae Nesbit, and Nettie Hayes Strong; great-grandfathers, Edmond Garner, John Wesley Foote, and Issac Strong; his uncle, Melvin Shackelford; his nephew, Marquavin Watkins; and many other loved ones who welcomed him home.
Spanky's beautiful soul, infectious warmth, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.